Customizable magnetic display system

ABSTRACT

A customizable display system is configured to a plurality of display items to be removably connected to a frame in a variety of configurations. The frame has at least one substantially continuous display surface composed of a magnetic material. The display items are composed, at least in part, of a magnetic material adapted to removably attach the display items to the frame. The display items may be attached at multiple points along the substantially continuous surface of the frame and may overlap each other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to the artistic display of photographs and other small items, and more specifically to a magnetic display system for the creative, three-dimensional presentation of cards, photographs, artwork, and other items utilizing magnetic means to retain the items to be displayed.

b. Background Art

There are a variety of three-dimensional, collage-type display systems known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,777,067 to Woronow et al., uses a plurality of backing members fixed in overlapping and adjoining relationships to form a unitary three-dimensional collage. Photographs are then permanently adhered to the backing members.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,722,122 to Sesto, uses a plurality of frame members and clips to create a variety of overlapping, three-dimensional displays. Photographs are inserted into the frames as in a typical picture frame arrangement. Both of these display systems allow for a single hanging point on the wall, which is an improvement over simply individually hanging numerous pictures. In addition, a three-dimensional look can be achieved which is desirable from an artistic standpoint. In the case of the Woronow et al. patent, the photographs are permanently adhered to the backing members. There is no way to update the photographs or add additional photographs to the display. The Sesto patent does allow for the photographs to be removed and new ones added. Additionally, the frame can be disassembled and rebuilt into new configurations, including the addition of more frame members and hence more photographs. This process would be somewhat laborious and would require additional frame materials.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,123,862 to Dyer et al., describes a decorative display assembly kit that allows for a wide variety of three-dimensional designs. Photographs are adhered to a backing, which are overlapped and adhered to other photographs. The entire finished design is attached to a frame, which can be hung on a wall. The process of building the design, one photograph at a time, would be intricate and time consuming. The finished product, like with the Womow et al. patent, would be permanent.

Various types of picture frames and mounting devices have been developed using magnetic means to retain the picture or object to be displayed. The use of magnets allows photographs and other displayed objects to be easily removed or added to the display. U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,083 to Vampatella et al., describes a quick change multi-picture frame apparatus. Essentially, the invention is a large rectangular box that has been subdivided into equal sized compartments by the use of dividers. In the middle of each compartment is mounted a magnetically attractive element. Photographs are mounted in sub-frames which have a magnet attached to the back, and then are inserted into each compartment. The result is a two-dimensional display of photographs that can be easily removed and replaced with newer photographs. In this type of display, the frame functions merely to hold the photographs by magnetic means. The frame itself does not contribute artistically to the display as a whole. Additionally, photographs must be placed into the various compartments. U.S. Pat. No. 3,965,599 to Ebner, describes a display system for the interchangeable presentation of art prints or other substantially flat display objects, and for the storage of a number of such prints not being displayed. A large box acts as a display surface for prints that are magnetically attached to the box. Additional prints can be stored inside the box. With ease, the currently displayed print can be exchanged or replaced by one of the stored frames. In this particular design, one print is typically displayed at a time. Both of these inventions emphasize the ability to quickly change photographs in the display by utilizing magnetic elements.

None of these references disclose a truly customizable, three-dimensional display system for personal photographs, cards, and other small objects. Existing three-dimensional designs are typically permanent and static. Magnetic displays, while being relatively customizable, fail to achieve the three-dimensional, artistic quality of the more permanent designs. With the current popularity of digital cameras, there is now, more than ever, a need for an inexpensive, readily available system for displaying the results of our photographic endeavors.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a customizable display system that allows a plurality of display items to be removably connected to a frame in a variety of configurations. The display system primarily comprises a frame having a display surface and a back surface. The display surface has at least one substantially continuous surface composed, at least in part of a magnetic material. A display item for mounting on the frame has a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface is composed, at least in part, of a magnetic material adapted to removably attach the display item to the frame. The display item may be attached at multiple points along the substantially continuous surface of the frame. At least one of the magnetic materials comprising the frame and the display item is a magnet.

In the display system of the present invention, the frame itself contributes significantly to the overall artistic impression of the display. The display system also provides for the overlapping of display items, creating a three-dimensional arrangement of photographs and other display items. The display system accepts photographs and other display items of various sizes and shapes for mounting to or placement on the frame. Further, the display system is substantially customizable, allowing the user to arrange photographs and other display items in any way desirable.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from reading the following description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a frame for a customizable magnetic display system according to the present invention with no display items attached.

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the frame of FIG. 1 viewed along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a display item for use with a frame according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view in partial cross-section of a display item of FIG. 4 viewed along section line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a customizable magnetic display system comprising the frame of FIG. 1, with display items, such as the display item of FIG. 4, attached. One of the display items 40 d is shown in a partial cut-away view.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the customizable magnetic display system of FIG. 6 with an additional display item 40 c attached to the frame.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a variation of a frame for a customizable magnetic display system according to the present invention with no display items attached.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a second variation of a frame for a customizable magnetic display system according to the present invention with examples of possible display items shown in phantom.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the frame of FIG. 9 with no display items attached.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a third variation of a frame for a customizable magnetic display system according to the present invention with no display items attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-11 illustrate several variations of a customizable magnetic display system according to the present invention comprising a frame designed to hold a variety of display items in a variety of configurations. The display system comprises at least one magnet (e.g., a permanent magnet or an electromagnet) for removably connecting at least one display item to the frame. The display system further comprises at least one other magnetic material to which the at least one magnet is able to be removably attached to hold the display item at least temporarily to the frame. For the purposes of the present invention, the term “magnetic material” is defined to comprise one or more of a magnet, a ferromagnetic material, and/or a paramagnetic material. Thus, the magnetic material comprises a material such as a permanent magnet, iron, steel, stainless steel, or the like that is attracted to a magnet (or at least one pole of a magnet). The at least one magnet may be incorporated with the frame, with the display item, and/or may comprise an intermediate connector (e.g., a magnetic spacer) disposed between the frame and the display item. The remaining elements may comprise another magnetic material that may be used in combination with the at least one magnet to removably connect the display item to the frame. Multiple magnets may be used in the system (i.e., at the frame, at the display item, and/or disposed between the frame and the display item) as long as the poles of the magnets are oriented to attract each other (e.g., a north pole of a first magnet being oriented toward a south pole of a second magnet) rather than to repel each other. The frame, display item, and/or a connecting spacer disposed between the frame and the display item may further comprise a diamagnetic material inset with a magnetic material (e.g., a wooden frame having an inset, affixed, painted, or otherwise attached magnetic material that may be used to removably connect the frame and the display item).

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one possible design of a frame 26 for a customizable magnetic display system 10 according to the present invention. As described above, the frame 20 comprises a magnetic material, for example, a magnet of varying size's and types; a ferromagnetic material; and/or a paramagnetic material, for example, steel, stainless steel, or iron; or a substrate, for example, wood or plastic, inset with a magnetic material; or any material coated with a paint comprising such a magnetic material. One exemplary magnetic material may comprise a neodymium iron boron magnet. Such a magnetic material is very strong and a small neodymium iron boron magnet can support a comparatively large mass display item.

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the frame 20 comprises a display surface 22 along a front surface of the frame 20. The display surface 22 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, for example, comprises substantially the entire front surface of the frame 20. This front display surface 22 of the frame 20 allows one or more display items 40 (see FIG. 4) to be removably connected to the frame 20 at multiple points along the display surface 22, or even at substantially any point along the display surface 22. The display surface 22 of the frame 20 may be a continuous surface as shown in FIG. 1 or may be composed of a plurality of discreet but connected display surfaces (see, e.g., FIG. 11) comprising a plurality of discrete magnetic material components that extends across only a portion of the front surface of the frame 20. The display surface 22 allows the display items 40 to be removably connected, either continuously or discontinuously, to the frame 20 at a plurality of positions or points across the display surface 22 of the frame 20.

Attached to the backside of the frame 20, as illustrated in FIG. 2, are mounting brackets 24, which allow the frame 20 to be hung (e.g., on a wall). Alternatively, the frame 20 may be directly mounted, such as via holes in the frame 20. If used, the mounting brackets 24 may comprise any bracket, such as picture frame brackets, offset canvas clips, or any bracket suitable for allowing the frame 20 to be hung on a wall. Alternatively, the mounting brackets may comprise eyehooks or similar means for stringing wire between two or more points to hang the frame 20 on a picture hook fixed to a wall. One or more stabilizing spacers 30 may also be attached to the backside of frame 20 to stabilize the frame 20 against the wall. The stabilizing spacers 30 may be comprised of metal, rubber, wood, styrofoam, magnets, or any other material useful for stabilizing the frame 20 against the wall. The mounting brackets 24 and/or stabilizing spacers 30 may be arranged in any pattern to secure and stabilize the frame 20 against a wall. Utilizing mounting brackets 24 and stabilizing spacers 30 of the same height allows the frame 20 to be spaced apart from the wall a distance equal to the height of the mounting brackets 24 and stabilizing spacers 30. This offset distance from the wall provides the customizable magnetic display system 10 with a first level of three-dimensionality.

FIG. 3 provides a top plan view of the frame 20 in cross-section showing the mounting brackets 24 and stabilizing spacers 30. By utilizing mounting brackets with mounting holes 26 (see FIG. 2), the frame 20 can be hung vertically, horizontally, or at any desired angle. The mounting holes 26 may also be provided directly in the frame 20 to also allow the frame 20 to be directly mounted to a surface (e.g., on a wall) at any desired angle.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a display item 40, comprising a photograph 42 laminated to a hardboard base 41. FIG. 5 is a top plan view in cross-section of the display item 40 showing a magnet 44 inserted into the back side of the display item 40. The magnet 44 can be held in place by commercially available glue or other adhesive. Although FIG. 5 only shows a single magnet 44 inserted into the display item 40, any number of magnets (or other magnetic materials) of varying sizes and shapes could be inserted into the display item 40 to hold the display item 40 on the frame. In addition, the magnets 44 may be located anywhere on the back side of display item 40. The magnet 44 may also be countersunk into the back side of the display item 40 (as shown in FIG. 5), may be partially inserted into the back side of the display item 40, or may be attached directly to the back side of display item 40 without being inserted into it. Thus, the distance the back side of the display item 40 is spaced apart from the display surface 22 of the frame 20 may be controlled to adjust the three-dimensionality of the overall display system 10. Further, if the frame 20 comprises a magnet 44 and/or an intervening magnet 44 is disposed between the frame 20 and the display item 40, the display item 40 may comprise a magnetic material other than a magnet to attach the display item 40 to the frame 20. For example, a metal material may be countersunk in, partially inserted in, or attached to the back of the display item 40. Alternatively, the display item 40 itself may comprise such a material.

FIG. 6 illustrates the frame 20 with multiple display items magnetically attached to the frame 20. Display item 40 e is attached directly to the frame 20 utilizing a magnet 44 inserted into the back side of the display item 40 e, such as shown in FIG. 5. Display items 40 a, 40 b, and 40 d utilize one or more additional magnets 44 as spacers to raise the display items 40 a, 40 b, and 40 d above the display surface 22 of the frame 20. This use of stacked magnets as spacers allows the display items to overlap (e.g., display items 40 a, 40 b, and 40 c overlap display item 40 e) and thus provides a three-dimensional effect to the display system 10. It is important to note that any combination of at least one magnet with at least one other magnetic material that may be used to secure a display item to a frame is within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the display system shown in FIG. 6 with an additional display item 40 c added to the arrangement shown in FIG. 6 to complete the display. Display item 40(c) utilizes two additional magnets 44 as spacers to provide yet another level of three-dimensionality. Alternatively, a single spacer (i.e., comprising a magnetic material) that is longer or shorter than the individual magnetic spacers 44 shown in FIG. 7 may be used to provide the additional three-dimensionality. However, for simplicity, it may be preferable to provide a single-sized magnetic spacer and let a user decide whether to double, triple, etc. the spacers to provide for offsetting the display items different distances from the frame 20. For example, where a standard display item comprises a photograph or other image laminated onto a hardboard base 41 that is ⅜″ thick, magnetic spacers having a length of ½″ allow the display items 40 to easily overlap one another by adding one additional magnetic spacer for each level of display item. For example, where a first display item 40 e is removably connected directly to the frame 20, a second display item 40 d may overlap the first display item 40 e by using a single magnetic spacer 44 having a length of ½″ to removably connect the second display item 40 d to the frame 20. Further, a third display item 40 c may be removably connected to the frame 20 with two such magnetic spacers 44 placed end-to-end (see FIG. 6) and thus may extend far enough from the frame 20 to be raised above (and overlap if desired) both the first and second display items 40 e and 40 d, respectively.

FIG. 8 shows a second variation of a frame 120 designed in the shape of an undulating waveform. Display items can be magnetically attached to the frame 120 of FIG. 8 in the same manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-7. The size, number, and type of display items attached to the frame 120 is determined by the user and is limited only by the size of the display items relative to the size of the frame. By attaching many display items and overlapping the display items at various levels through the use of different sizes, shapes, and types of display items, the frame may be completely hidden when viewed from the front. Fewer display items, spaced further apart, would allow the frame to be seen between the display items. In either case, the display as a whole will generally mimic the basic artistic shape of the frame. Display items can be added, taken away, or rearranged with ease, making the display system 10 of the present invention a truly customizable, three-dimensional system.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a third variation of a frame 220 for a customizable magnetic display system 10 designed to hold one prominent display item 240 a in the middle of the frame surrounded by a variety of complimentary display items 240 b and 240 c. A shelf 222 is attached to the frame 220 to allow for the placement and display of more bulky, three-dimensional, and/or non-planar items. One exemplary thematic use for this embodiment may be sports memoprabilia display. A sports team photograph 240 a may be displayed in the center of the frame 220. Surrounding this central display item may be, for example, action photographs 240 b of the team members. A ribbon 240 c maybe magnetically attached to the frame 220. A trophy 204 may be placed on the shelf 222 to complete the display. A second exemplary thematic use for this embodiment may be a chronological pictorial record displaying class photographs of a child from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Each year, a new school photograph of the child could be added to the display. The existing display items could be rearranged to accommodate each annual photograph. The complete display, for example, may have photographs of the child from kindergarten through eleventh grade, with a senior picture located in the middle. A high school diploma or graduation cap, for example, may be placed on the shelf.

FIG. 11 illustrates a fourth variation of a frame 320 for a customizable magnetic display system with arced sections designed to emulate a rainbow. For example, the frame 320 could be made of six arced bands of magnetic material, each powder coated to match a color of the rainbow. Powder coating is a commercially available process used to paint or color the surface of metal and magnetic materials. Two shelves 322 allow for the display of non-planar objects and hold the bands of the frame 320 in their proper place. Alternatively, the bands of the frame may be held together by other frame members, for example, one of more welded straps, and the shelves 322 could be magnetically attached to the frame 320 and movably positioned at any location on the frame 320. This particular design may be used, for example, in a child's room. Exemplary display items may include photographs of friends, report cards, school papers, baseball trading cards, and stuffed animals. Display items may be added, taken away, or re-arranged on a regular basis.

A customizable magnetic display system according to the present invention may provide one or more of the following unique features or advantages. First, the frame of the customizable magnetic display system contributes significantly to the artistic impression of the display as a whole. The frame functions to provide more flexibility than a mere means for holding photographs in a predetermined arrangement. Even when the frame is completely obscured by overlapping display items, the shape of the frame is conveyed in the general shape of the final display. Second, the frame design can be customized for an individual's specific needs or space requirements in an infinite number of frame designs. Although, for example, four exemplary variations of frame designs are disclosed herein, any number of frame designs according to the present invention are possible. Third, the use of at least one magnet as a fastening means along with at least one other magnetic material allows display items to be added or removed from the frame with ease. This provides a vast improvement over the permanent nature of most collage-type display systems. Fourth, the use of at least one magnet as a fastening means along with at least one other magnetic material allows a user to creatively arrange the display items on the frame. Any single frame design could potentially result in hundreds of unique final display arrangements. Fifth, the total cost of such a customizable magnetic display system, for example, with frame and display items, provides considerable cost savings when compared to equivalent static framed collage displays with custom matting and cover glass. Sixth, by utilizing mounting brackets, the frame can be hung vertically, horizontally, or at any desired angle.

Although multiple embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. For example, replacement or rearrangement of particular magnets and other magnetic materials may be done without affecting the usefulness of the present invention. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, fastened, and fixed) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. A customizable magnetic display system allowing for removably connecting display items to a frame in a variety of configurations, the display system comprising: a frame having a display surface and a back surface, said display surface comprising at least one substantially continuous surface comprising a first magnetic material; and at least one display item having a front surface and a rear surface, said rear surface comprising a second magnetic material adapted to removably attach said display item at multiple points along said at least one substantially continuous surface, wherein at least one of said first magnetic material and said second magnetic material comprises a magnet.
 2. The display system of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises at least one mounting bracket attached to said back surface for the purpose of hanging said frame.
 3. The display system of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises at least one spacer attached to said back surface.
 4. The display system of claim 1, further comprising a magnetic spacer disposed between said first magnetic material and said second magnetic material.
 5. The display system of claim 4, wherein said magnetic spacer comprises a neodymium iron boron magnet.
 6. The display system of claim 1, wherein said frame further comprises a shelf.
 7. The display system of claim 1, wherein said substantially continuous surface of said frame comprises a substantially continuous steel surface.
 8. The display system of claim 1, wherein said display surface of said frame comprises a shape from the group of: an arc-shaped display surface, an undulating-shaped display surface, a second display surface at least partially surrounded by said substantially continuous display surface, and a generally X-shaped display surface.
 9. The display system of claim 1, wherein said second magnetic material may be removably connected at substantially any point along said substantially continuous display surface of said frame.
 10. The display system of claim 1, wherein said second magnetic material is at least partially inset into said display item.
 11. The display system of claim 1, wherein said second magnetic material is attached to said rear surface of said display item.
 12. A customizable magnetic display system allowing for removably connecting display items to a frame in a variety of configurations, the display system comprising: a frame having a display surface and a back surface, said display surface comprising at least one substantially continuous surface comprising a first magnetic material; at least one display item comprising a front surface and a rear surface, said rear surface comprising a second magnetic material adapted to removably attach said display item at multiple points along said at least one substantially continuous surface; and a spacer disposed between said first magnetic material and said second magnetic material, said spacer comprising a third magnetic material.
 13. The customizable magnetic display system of claim 12, wherein at least one of said first magnetic material, said second magnetic material, and said third magnetic material comprises a magnet.
 14. The display system of claim 13, wherein said magnet comprises a neodymium iron boron magnet.
 15. The display system of claim 12, wherein said at least one display item comprises a first display item and a second display item; said spacer comprises a first spacer associated with said first display item and a second spacer associated with said second display item; said second spacer is longer than said first spacer; and said second display item is spaced apart from said frame a greater distance than said first display item is spaced apart from said frame.
 16. The display system of claim 15, wherein said second display item overlaps said first display item.
 17. The display system of claim 12, wherein said frame further comprises a shelf.
 18. The display system of claim 12, wherein said substantially continuous surface of said frame comprises a substantially continuous steel surface.
 19. The display system of claim 12, wherein said second magnetic material is at least partially inset into said display item.
 20. The display system of claim 12, wherein said display surface of said frame comprises a shape from the group of: an arc-shaped display surface, an undulating-shaped display surface, a second display surface at least partially surrounded by said substantially continuous display surface, and a generally X-shaped display surface.
 21. The display item of claim 12, wherein said second magnetic material may be removably connected at substantially any point along said substantially continuous display surface of said frame.
 22. A customizable magnetic display system comprising: a frame having a display surface and a back surface, said display surface comprising at least one substantially continuous surface comprising a first magnetic material; at least one display item comprising a front surface and a rear surface, said rear surface comprising a second magnetic material adapted to attach said display item at multiple points along said at least one substantially continuous surface. 